Page 20 - BusinessWest May 26, 2025

Progress Report
Lessons from Our First Year Owning a Car Wash
BY NICOLE SHERWOOD AND RICH SHERWOOD
When we took over Clean Queen Car Wash in Holyoke a
year ago, we knew we were in for an adventure. We had
the skills — Rich, with his deep experience in automotive
repair, and me, with my background in customer success and busi-
ness operations. But no amount of preparation fully equips you for
the real experience of running a business together as a couple.
Reflecting on our first year, we’ve seen incredible growth, faced
unexpected challenges, and learned more than we could have imag-
ined. Here are five things we did well — and five things we wish we
had done better.
Clean Queen Car Wash owners Nicole and Rich Sherwood.
Five Things We Did Well
Customer Experience First. From day one, we prioritized a high-
quality wash and detailing service. We listened to customer feed-
back and made adjustments to improve efficiency and satisfaction.
The result? A growing base of loyal customers. We also introduced
additional services, like family pricing and express interior detailing,
to create long-term value and repeat business.
Investing in the Right Equipment. We quickly realized that out-
dated or poorly maintained equipment leads to inefficiencies and
downtime. Investing in high-quality tools, staying on top of repairs,
and proactively maintaining the machinery have minimized disrup-
tions. A single breakdown can cost us hundreds in lost revenue, so
preventive maintenance has been a key factor in keeping things run-
ning smoothly.
Marketing and Social Media Presence. We made a strong push
on social media with promotions, giveaways, and engaging content.
“A single
breakdown can
cost us hundreds
in lost revenue,
so preventive
maintenance has
been a key factor
in keeping things
running smoothly.”
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Regional President
413.591.0122
[email protected]
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413.591.0073
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20 << AUTO SALES >>
MAY 26, 2025
Business W est